Grant helps fund JROTC marksmanship program

August 24, 2011|By DAVID DIPINO dddipino@tribune.com

Thanks to a grant from the National Rifle Association Foundation, cadets in Atlantic Community High School's Junior ROTC program were recently able to purchase items to support their air rifle team's marksmanship program.

Retired Lt. Col. James L. Rodriguez and retired Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Peavy Jr. began working with School District officials and the NRA last August to secure the grant. The grant was approved in February.

"The ultimate goal is for our cadets to have no safety violations, have fun and to educate other students, parents and guardians on firearm safety, the discipline required in marksmanship competition, and the dedication needed for competitive shooting," Rodriguez said.

"We are very excited about this funding, and pleased that the NRA Foundation is making an investment in our JROTC cadets and the community. The goal for our cadets is to constantly improve their marksmanship skills through dedication to the sport and a lot of practice to get to the state championships and place within the next three years."

By the end of this past school year, the team had expanded from 20 to 30 cadets. Membership is expected to reach nearly 60, David wrote in a School District news release.